Since 1965, National Wildlife Federation has been honoring conservation heroes through our National Conservation Achievement Awards and Dinner.  This annual celebration – known informally as the “Connie Awards”—is our way of honoring the many individuals and organizations that make extraordinary contributions.

Each year the shared camaraderie in vision and dedication to protecting wildlife proves to cast an imprint and confirm that together we are indeed building a conservation movement.  This year proved to be no exception to the influence of this amazing spirit of the event as 400 NWF Board members, Members of Congress, supporters, partners, and staff in attendance again left inspired.

Jack Hanna, celebrity and animal handler, served again as the master of ceremonies for the event.  His animal friends influenced murmurs of wonder and awe as Jack introduced attendees to such wildlife treasures as a clouded leopard, binturong, flamingo and much more – but it was his knowledge and commitment to NWF’s mission that helped to weave an impressive show.  The diverse array of awardees from Conservationist of the Year Timothy Wirth to Dr. Heidi Cullen to Elon Musk was only accentuated with closing remarks by NWF’s final awardee author Thomas Friedman. 
The continued support of NWF friends and sponsors in such an uncertain economic time period is a direct testament to belief in the work that we are doing.

THE 2008 AWARD WINNERS

Senator Timothy E. Wirth - Conservationist of the Year

Tim Wirth has served in three different administrations, as a six-term Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senator, Undersecretary for Global Affairs in the State Department, and now as president of the United Nations Foundation (UNF) and Better World Fund (BWF). He is one of the founding members and on the Steering Committee of UNF’s Energy Future Coalition, a campaign initiative focused on establishing energy policies that will strike a balance between business, labor and environmental group concerns with regard to the production and use of fossil fuels.

Thomas Friedman - Communications

A three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, world renowned author and journalist, Thomas Friedman has become one of the most powerful voices in the United States on global warming. Through his books and as foreign-affairs columnist for the New York Times, Freidman effectively communicates complex concepts in common-sense terminology, urging America to “restore its natural place in the global order – as beacons of progress, hope and inspiration.” Previously, he served as chief economic correspondent in the Washington bureau and before that was the chief White House correspondent.

Lindblad Expeditions – Corporate Achievement

From its inception in 1979, Lindblad Expeditions has governed its tourism business with a commitment to conservation. As they show travelers the wonder of the natural world, they strive to create respectful tourists who will realize and embrace each individual’s responsibility of caring for the environment. Lindblad Expeditions has been recognized for its innovative conservation support and environmental collaborations by several organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme, the National Audubon Society and the Condé Nast Traveler.

Common Ground High School - Education

Governor Charlie Crist - Government

As head of the fourth largest state in the union, Florida Governor Charlie Crist is one of the boldest and most influential conservation leaders today. He began his tenure in 2007 by declaring that “global climate change is one of the most important issues that we will face this century.” Through his work as Attorney General and now as Governor, Crist has Florida at the forefront of the global warming fight. He recently mandated the state’s reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions by 80 percent of the 1990 levels by 2050.

Senator Patrick Leahy - International

Recognized by many for protecting wildlife refuges in the United States, Senator Leahy has also been one of the key figures in shaping U.S. foreign environmental policy. His tenacity during his decade-long service as Chairman of the Foreign Ops Subcommittee allowed him to rescue environmental policies and sustainable development funding, even when he was in the minority. Co-sponsor of the Sanders/Boxer Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act, Senator Leahy continues to strive for the US to regain leadership in the fight against global warming.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP - Legal/Legislative

Weil, Gotshal & Manges received the prestigious New York State Bar Association President's Pro Bono Service Law Firm Award twice in the past ten years. In addition to their policy that every lawyer perform a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono work a year, the firm has an externship program allowing lawyers to work full-time for four months inside underserved communities. Through these programs, Weil, Gothshal & Manges has helped not only NWF, but also Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts.

Sustainable South Bronx - Organization

Founded in 1991 by Majora Carter, Sustainable South Bronx (SSBx) is a non-profit environmental justice organization focused on improving the local environment. A lifelong resident of South Bronx, Carter has directed several innovative programs that have led to the neighborhood’s turnaround. From the creation of “green-collar jobs” to highly successful campaigns to bringing in government, corporate, and foundation money for new waterfront parks along the Bronx River, Carter has realized her vision for a revitalized hometown through SSBx. All who live there benefit from her efforts.

Joshua C. Whetzel Jr. - Philanthropy

Joshua Whetzel Jr. is an extraordinary philanthropist who not only has made significant financial contributions in support of NWF’s global warming initiative, but is helping us reach out to and educate his peers on the issue as well. Josh and his wife Farley have been active supporters of NWF for almost a decade, and he serves as well on the Board of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Dr. Heidi Cullen - Science

Dr. Heidi Cullen is the Climate Expert at The Weather Channel where she reports on climate and the environment for "Forecast Earth," the first weekly television series to focus on climate issues. Cullen also serves as a Senior Scientist with Climate Central - a new, non-profit, head-quartered in Princeton, NJ. This newly formed, non-partisan think tank is dedicated to providing the public as well as policy makers with the latest peer-reviewed information on global climate change. Before joining The Weather Channel, Dr. Cullen was a research scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, CO. She received a B.S. in Engineering/ Operations Research from Columbia University and went on to receive a Ph.D. in climatology and ocean-atmosphere dynamics at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University.

Elon Musk – Special Achievement

Elon Musk has become a multi-millionaire through his many successful business ventures, most notably his online payment company, PayPal. He has established the Musk Foundation, through which he supports companies that “do well by doing good” with grants for renewable energy research and advocacy, human space exploration research and advocacy, pediatric research and science and engineering education. His motivation for two of his latest ventures, Space Exploration Technologies and Solar City, is developing technology that combats global warming.

Carlos Moreno - Youth

Carlos Moreno learned about the correlation of a $14 million cut in youth programs and the steady increase in violence in his Boston, Massachusetts hometown and became a champion for environmental justice. Through his involvement with the Roxbury Environmental Empowerment Project (REEP), the Summer Jobs Campaign, United Youth & Youth Workers of Boston and Boston’s Youth Movement to Reduce Violence he has rallied hundreds of youth to the cause. To date, Carlos Moreno’s environmental activism has secured $1.75 million for Boston youth jobs and programs.